FPGA Firmware Developer

Fermilab; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 99,500 - 130,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Onsite day care

Job summary

Fermilab seeks an FPGA Firmware Developer to design, develop, verify, and integrate FPGA-based systems and embedded firmware. You will handle architecture definition, RTL implementation, simulation, timing closure, and hardware–firmware integration, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and DOE orders.

The role includes leading medium to large FPGA projects, coordinating teams, and supporting documentation and testing across lab environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering discipline from ABET-accredited institution with 6+ years of engineering experience.
• OR a Master’s/PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong FPGA development concepts, RTL design, and verification skills.

Responsibilities

• Design FPGA logic, RTL, embedded firmware, and supporting test infrastructure.
• Perform simulation, verification, timing analysis, constraints development and optimization.
• Develop detailed specifications, design documentation, and test plans.
• Plan and execute medium to large FPGA engineering projects from concept through deployment.
• Coordinate technicians and engineers during integration and testing.
• Support cost estimation, scheduling, and project planning activities.

Skills

FPGA concepts

Digital logic design

Engineering methodologies

Project planning

Education

ABET-accredited degree

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Xilinx Vitis

HLS

JTAG

Xilinx IP

Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is: $99,500.00-$130,900.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance however is eligible for sponsorship and the employee referral bonus program.

About the Role

Fermilab is seeking a FPGA Firmware Developer who will design, develop, verify, and integrate FPGA-based systems and embedded firmware. Responsibilities include architecture definition, RTL implementation, simulation, timing closure, hardware–firmware integration, documentation, and support of lab and system-level testing. Work adheres to all applicable regulations, requirements, engineering standards, and DOE orders.

What your day-to-day as a FPGA Firmware Developer at Fermilab will look like

• Designing and implementing FPGA logic, RTL, embedded firmware, and supporting test infrastructure.
• Performing simulation, verification, timing analysis, constraints development, and optimization.
• Developing detailed specifications, design documentation, and test plans.
• Planning and executing medium to large FPGA engineering projects from concept through deployment.
• Coordinating and directing technicians and engineers during integration and testing.
• Participating in procurement, manufacturing, installation, and operation of FPGA-based systems.
• Supporting cost estimation, scheduling, and project planning activities.
• Reviewing work for adherence to specifications, standards, and project constraints.
• Providing technical direction to designers, technicians, and junior engineers.
• Participating in reviews, safety panels, and technical committees.
• You may participate in technical conferences and publication.
• You will perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• You will abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution with 6+ years of engineering experience
• OR a Master’s/PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Proficiency in FPGA development concepts, digital logic design, and engineering methodologies.
• Ability to plan and document medium to large FPGA development projects.
• Ability to apply standard to moderately complex engineering techniques.
• Preferred experience with Xilinx FPGA chipsets (e.g., Zynq, UltraScale, 7-Series).
• Preferred experience with Xilinx development tools including Vivado, Vitis, and High-Level Synthesis (HLS).
• Preferred experience developing and debugging designs using JTAG, Xilinx IP, block design workflows, and hardware debugging tools such as ILA.

Work Arrangement

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care

Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug‑free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD‑12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL‑ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus

Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL‑ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.